System for catheter fixation

Abstract

A catheter device for fixation to the human body comprises a catheter having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end comprising one or more fins, the fins having an open position defining a large diameter and a closed position of small diameter. The catheter has a catheter body and a push tube sliding axially within the catheter body for manipulating the fins into the open and closed positions.

I claim:  
     
       1. A method for use of a catheter in the human body, comprising the steps of: 
       (a) inserting a tube into the human body in which said tube is used for fixation of a pump, said tube having a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end comprising one or more fins, said fins having an open position defining a large diameter and a closed position of relative small diameter and being maintained in said open and a closed position of relative small diameter and being maintained in said open position while said tube is located within a cavity of the human body; and,  
       (b) manipulating said fins from said open position to said closed position before pulling said catheter out of its location in a cavity of the human body.  
     
     
       2. A method for use of a catheter in the human body, comprising the steps of: 
       (a) inserting a tube into the human body in which said tube is used for fixation of a pump and in which said pump is inserted into a portion of the circulatory or urinary system, said tube having a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end comprising one or more fins, said fins having an open position defining a large diameter and a closed position of relative small diameter and being maintained in said open position while said tube is located within a cavity of the human body; and,  
       (b) manipulating said fins from said open position to said closed position before pulling said catheter out of its location in a cavity of the human body.  
     
     
       3. A method for use of a catheter in the human body, comprising the steps of: 
       (a) inserting a tube into the human body in which said tube is used to treat heart septal defects, said tube having a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end comprising one or more fins, said fins having an open position defining a large diameter and a closed position of relative small diameter and being maintained in said open position while said tube is located within a cavity of the human body; and,  
       (b) manipulating said fins from said open position to said closed position before pulling said catheter out of its location in a cavity of the human body.